Coroner: Man Whose Body Was Found in Riverton Froze to Death

RIVERTON, Wyo. (AP) — Authorities say a 52-year-old man whose body was found in Riverton in February died of hypothermia.

Benjamin Piper Jr. was found dead Feb. 11, and investigators determined that he was extremely intoxicated and had a muscle relaxant in his system.

Fremont County Coroner Mark Stratmoen says Piper did not have enough of the relaxant in his system to cause a problem by itself, but the alcohol likely intensified its effects and might have slowed his breathing.

The National Weather Service says the temperature dropped to -5 degrees Fahrenheit the morning of Feb. 11.